Papua New Guinea and the European Union have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding trade, investment and sustainable development cooperation, with more than 300 participants from PNG and Europe gathering in Port Moresby for the 5th EU–PNG Business Forum.
Held at the Hilton Port Moresby Hotel & Residences on June 2–3 under the theme “The EU Global Gateway for Sustainable Investment, Connectivity and Growth in Papua New Guinea,” the forum brought together government officials, private sector representatives, financial institutions, development partners and investors to explore new business opportunities and strengthen economic ties.
Representatives from 77 companies, including 23 European firms, attended the event, which facilitated more than 170 business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) meetings aimed at fostering long-term commercial partnerships and identifying new investment opportunities.
Opening the forum, Prime Minister James Marape outlined his vision for sustainable and inclusive development, encouraging European and Papua New Guinean businesses to work together and “grow together” through partnerships that create jobs, stimulate investment, transfer technology and improve livelihoods.
Marape reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to maintaining a stable and predictable environment for responsible investment and private sector growth, emphasizing that Papua New Guinea remains open for business and ready to unlock its economic potential through international partnerships.
The forum also served as a platform for PNG and the European Union to reaffirm their shared commitment to sustainable investment, economic cooperation and private sector-led development.
Minister for National Planning and Monitoring Sir Ano Pala described the European Union as a trusted strategic partner that has supported Papua New Guinea’s development over many years. He joined other senior leaders in stressing the importance of attracting quality investments that contribute to long-term national development.
European Union Ambassador to Papua New Guinea H.E. Erika Hasznos said the forum reflected a shared commitment to building a prosperous and sustainable Indo-Pacific region while translating political cooperation into tangible business outcomes.
“This Forum is about our shared vision of an open, sustainable and prosperous Indo-Pacific; about translating political commitments into bankable projects; and about building long-term, high-quality partnerships between European and PNG businesses,” Ambassador Hasznos said.
A key outcome of the forum was the signing of a new Global Gateway investment under the Water Wise Communities Project, which aims to improve water security and climate resilience across Papua New Guinea.
Under the agreement, the European Investment Bank (EIB) will provide a concessional loan of €25 million (approximately PGK126 million), supported by a €16.4 million (approximately PGK83 million) grant from the European Union. The project is expected to expand access to reliable drinking water for an additional 400,000 people while strengthening urban sustainability and resilience to climate-related challenges.
Peteris Ustubs, Director for Asia, Central Asia and the Pacific at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), said Papua New Guinea remains an important partner in the European Union’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
He said PNG’s strategic location, abundant natural resources and commitment to sustainable development make it a key destination for future investment under the Global Gateway initiative.
Throughout the two-day event, discussions focused on priority sectors including renewable energy, water security, digital transformation, connectivity, sustainable extractive industries and agricultural value chains.
Participants also attended practical sessions on exporting to the European Union market and conducting business in PNG, while masterclasses provided guidance on compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The programme included site visits to selected Global Gateway-supported projects in and around Port Moresby.
According to the European Union, the forum was designed to identify new trade and investment opportunities, strengthen strategic partnerships and leverage Global Gateway financing and technical support to support sustainable economic growth in Papua New Guinea.
The event highlighted the growing economic relationship between PNG and the European Union, which is valued at more than K5 billion annually. Papua New Guinea was the first Pacific nation to ratify the EU–Pacific Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (iEPA) in 2011 and continues to benefit from duty-free and quota-free access to the European single market. The European Union is now PNG’s fourth-largest export destination.
Ahead of the forum, approximately 400 participants, including more than 40 representatives from European companies, had registered to attend.
Speaking during a media conference before the event, Ambassador Hasznos said the European Union intended to use the forum both to facilitate business connections and to showcase major infrastructure and investment projects being delivered through the Global Gateway strategy in partnership with the PNG Government.
“As part of the Business Forum, the European Union will present itself as a developer of major upcoming infrastructure and investment projects under the Global Gateway strategy, while facilitating business-to-business and business-to-government contacts,” she said.
National Trade Office Chief Trade Officer Richard Yakam said PNG’s participation in the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement reflects the country’s commitment to sustainable growth and economic diversification.
“The EU Global Gateway initiative complements these efforts by enhancing connectivity and attracting investments. PNG remains dedicated to strengthening its partnerships with the European Union and translating trade agreements into tangible development outcomes for our people and our future,” Yakam said.
Investment Promotion Authority Managing Director Clarence M. Hoot said European interest in Papua New Guinea has continued to grow since the inaugural PNG-EU business conference in 2019.
“We have witnessed the growing interest of European businesses and investors establishing a presence in PNG, and we stand ready to facilitate further opportunities following this forum,” Hoot said.
The forum was organised by the European Union in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC), in cooperation with the Government of Papua New Guinea, particularly the National Trade Office, the Investment Promotion Authority and the PNG-Europe Business Council.
A high-level plenary session brought together representatives from the European Commission, the PNG Government, the European Investment Bank, the World Bank, the International Trade Centre and private sector leaders to discuss opportunities for sustainable investment, trade and economic cooperation.
At the closing ceremony, Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko said the forum demonstrated how relations between Papua New Guinea and the European Union have evolved beyond traditional development assistance into a broader strategic partnership.
He said the event strengthened business connections while reinforcing cooperation based on mutual respect, shared values and common development goals.
The forum concluded with a renewed commitment by both sides to deepen cooperation under the Global Gateway Strategy, promote responsible resource development, strengthen trade and investment linkages, and expand economic opportunities for Papua New Guineans.
Since its launch in 2011, the EU–PNG Business Forum has served as a key platform for strengthening economic ties, encouraging sustainable investment and expanding trade relations between Papua New Guinea and the European Union. Following the regional Pacific Business Forum held in Fiji in 2025, this year’s edition focused exclusively on Papua New Guinea and the opportunities available to PNG and European businesses through the Global Gateway Strategy.
Through Global Gateway, the European Union supports sustainable investments in digital connectivity, energy, transport, water security, health, education and research, while mobilising public and private sector financing to advance inclusive and sustainable development in partner countries, including Papua New Guinea.
